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The Ecological Goals and their Realisation


The goal of the municipality was to make a lasting example of combining our resources using the definition of very high ecological standards.

In the first place, this means adhering to the Passive House standards with the least possible total energy costs, then the calling for tenders and awarding the contracts for all of the jobs using the Ecological guidelines, and the use of renewable energy sources.  An especially innovative  approach for the production of energy is the roof for the 350 m2 village square, which is locked in by the U shape of the 3 structures.  The roofing on the steel girders serves as a Photo voltaic facility.  This means that the roof doesn‘t only protect, but it also functions as a producer of electricity. Surplus electricity is fed into the public power supply system.  Solar panels on the individual structures produce warm water, while ground water is used for the cooling system in the summer.

The Vorarlberg Ecological Guidelines: construction, notes which construction materials cannot be used because of their harmful effect on the environment, or conversely, which materials are preferable because of their positive effect on the indoor climate of the rooms.  For this reason, PVC was not used in the ductwork, electric cable casings and floor coverings.  The use of solvent containing materials like lacquer, paint or glues was also frowned upon as well as the use of softeners and substances containing formaldehyde.  Cellulose and sheep‘s wool was used for the insulation in the walls, whereby it is said that sheep‘s wool is capable of absorbing poisonous vapours to a certain degree.

The deciding factor for the appearance of the Ludesch Community Centre was the use of timber.  The consequent use of the rough hewn, untreated wood of the Silver Fir on the building‘s facade, is responsible for the appearance of the three structures. Alone the direction of the planks creates diverse block diagrams and calls forth magical light and shadow effects on the building.  The silver grey patina that is formed by weathering , will lend the building an additional vibrancy in years to come.  The one metre wide overhangs aid the constructive protection of the wood.  

Inside, the untreated Silver Fir wood creates a warm atmosphere, giving the lounge a client friendly character, where the walls, ceilings and furniture paint an all around uniform picture.  Because of this, the Community Centre has been given a vibrancy which is unusual for an administrative building.  The innovative approach to the concept and the consequent realisation of clear ideas has contributed to the  building  already, setting an example far beyond the regional boundaries.


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